Existential Therapy and Finding Yourself with Sara Kuburic
Sep 26, 2023
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Valeria sits down with existential psychotherapist, Sara Kuburic, to discuss existential therapy and finding oneself. They explore the concept of the self, the causes and manifestations of self-loss, and the importance of letting go of old versions of yourself. They also emphasize the need to embrace the messiness of life and the value of everyday encounters in self-discovery. Tune in for valuable insights into navigating the complexities of life and self-discovery.
Authenticity and self-knowledge are crucial for understanding oneself.
Self-loss refers to a person's profound disconnection from their own identity.
The concept of self is ever-evolving and cannot be fully grasped or pinned down.
Deep dives
The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Knowledge
Authenticity and self-knowledge are crucial for understanding oneself. Being inauthentic for an extended period can lead to losing touch with one's true identity. Small decisions, like going out when you don't want to or engaging in activities without considering their impact, can contribute to this loss. Existential therapy, rooted in philosophy, approaches human suffering by recognizing individual free will, the need for meaning, and determining one's future. Early life experiences can shape a person's inclination towards existentialism and the search for purpose. Exploring existentialism can help people find resonance and answer the big questions about their own existence.
The Definition and Manifestation of Self-Loss
Self-loss refers to a person's profound disconnection from their own identity. It manifests in various aspects of life, including emotional disconnection, lack of understanding of one's body, challenges in relationships, struggles with inner consent, and confusion about personal meaning and morality. Self-loss can arise from trauma or daily decisions that are incongruent with one's true self. Recognizing self-loss is crucial, as it allows individuals to work towards rediscovering and reclaiming their sense of self.
The Fluidity of Self and the Importance of Boundaries
The concept of self is ever-evolving and cannot be fully grasped or pinned down. It is not about finding a fixed version of oneself but embracing the continuous journey of self-creation and self-expression. Boundaries play a vital role in defining and expressing one's sense of self. They provide an outline of who you are and help create safe relationships, clear communication, and the fulfillment of personal needs. Boundaries align with a person's understanding and acceptance of themselves, and they serve as an expression of their authenticity and self-respect.
Recognizing and Finding Meaning in Life
It is important to recognize that lack of meaningfulness in one area of life does not necessarily mean that life as a whole is unfulfilling. Society often places too much emphasis on one role or identity, leading to a narrow perspective of fulfillment. Meaning can be derived from multiple sources and can evolve over time, requiring us to be open to finding it in different aspects of our lives.
Building a Relationship with the Body
Understanding the significance of the body is crucial in building a healthy relationship with it. Rather than treating the body as a separate entity or tool, we need to recognize that it is an integral part of who we are. Listening to our bodies, engaging in exercises that allow us to connect with them, scanning our bodies for emotions, and paying attention to the signals they provide can help us deepen our understanding and appreciation of our physical selves.
Why is it difficult to find one’s self? Many of us often struggle with this, feeling unsure about who we truly are or feeling a bit lost in the process. Our lives keep changing – so how do we really find our true selves?
Valeria sits down with existential psychotherapist, Sara Kuburic. They talk about Sara's upcoming book, "It's On Me," and delve into what existential therapy is all about. They also discuss how we can let go of our old selves, how we end up losing our identity, and how we can find ourselves even when life gets messy and complicated. Join us for this insightful conversation that'll not only get you thinking but also provide valuable insights into navigating the complexities of life and self-discovery.